The Bunny Costume
Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
Press release
THE BUNNY COSTUME
The Bunny costume is an integral part of the Playboy Bunny's mystique. The
form-fitting outfit, with its fluffy tail, white collar and cuffs and
satin ears, is the first service uniform ever granted registration by the
United States Patent and Trademark Office (patent number 762,884).
The original costume resembled a strapless, one-piece, rayon-satin bathing
suit. Accessorized with oversized ears and a tail, it came in 10 colors
and numerous sizes, but without the collar and cuffs. Name tags and
rosettes were added to the costume in 1961.
In 1964, a well-known foundation manufacturer worked with Playboy to
develop a washable and highly durable costume. This lightweight one-piece,
boned foundation Bunny outfit came in a variety of colors--but only two
sizes, 34D and 36D.
Early Bunnies wore black mesh tights until 1962 when the more comfortable
sheer black tights were introduced. In 1968, Playboy worked with a
manufacturer to develop the first professional dancers' support tights,
sheer to the waistband.
The Bunny tail also changed from the original design. The original Bunny
tail was smaller than the one that is worn today. In July 1969, for better
looks and durability, new tails of white synthetic fur replaced the nylon
yarn.
The first Bunny shoe was a plain pump with a three-inch heel and pointed
toe. Today the show design remains relatively unchanged except for its
color, now dyed to match the particular costume.
Throughout the years, Playboy modified the costumes to reflect current
fashion. In the late 1960s, Playboy introduced Pucci-influenced,
psychedelic-print costumes. In the early 1980s, the Bunny Cabaret costume
was developed, inspired by Hugh Heffner, complete with Espree mesh
stockings, garters and dyed pumps.
Innovative theme costumes ranging from the Cupid Bunny to the Carmen
Miranda Bunny were developed for the clubs in 1985.
The Playboy Bunny costume is recognized around the world and has become
part of Playboy's corporate identity.
|
 |

|
Playboy Bunny Costume
Few costumes acquired by CHS come with their own mannequin. For the
Playboy Bunny uniform, however, it was a necessity. The outfit was
designed specifically for women who worked in the club's VIP room,
and the mannequin--which stands 5'2" and measures 37-23-32--was
molded on the face and figure of Suzy Leigh, who supposedly
possessed the ideal Bunny figure. (CHS, CC1972.239) |
|